We live in a time where celebrity isn’t just admired – is worshipped. Glamour has replaced substance as the marker of success. Visibility has become more desirable than impact. From red carpets to Instagram reels, we’ve constructed an entire value system around being seen, followed, and celebrated – not necessarily for what we do, but for how we appear.
When societies idolize public figures who symbolize fame, wealth, and perfection, we begin to internalize those ideals as aspirations. Children grow up wanting to be famous – not skilled, empathetic, or ethical. The notion of a “good life” becomes tied to applause, detached from any real meaning.
“Who is your favorite actor or actress?” That was a common question during my college days. I still remember my answer: I don’t have one. What’s the big deal about them? They’re simply doing their jobs – just like countless others. Yet in our country, we have elevated them to the status of gods. And these gods? Many remain silent during times of national crisis. I often wonder why people adore, love, and support them so blindly. Meanwhile, the real heroes are forgotten.
Take, for instance, the horror faced by a group of tourists relaxing at a resort in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The men were singled out and executed in front of their families. How does this happen in our times? How can we condone such acts? How do we begin to see each other as human again? That moment reminded me of Bollywood’s most celebrated names. Where were the Khans? When our soldiers were martyred, when Pakistan dared to strike, when tensions rose at the border – there was not a single word, not a single tweet from them.
These so-called superstars speak up when promoting a film, tweet about social causes for clout, and attend award functions for glamour. But when it comes to standing with the nation, they vanish. Some may collaborate with the Armed Forces for film shoots or play patriotic roles on screen, but their silence during real crises reveals a glaring disconnect. They entertain, they earn in crores, they secure their families’ futures – but often awaken to patriotism only when personal interests are at stake.
Beyond the screen lies true stardom – found in the quiet courage of India’s unsung heroes. In a world that applauds red carpets and silver screens, the real heroes walk without makeup, without limelight, without applause. They don’t dance under chandeliers or pose for magazine covers. Instead, they walk through battlefields and hospital corridors, carrying the nation on their shoulders with grace and grit.
A healthy society doesn’t just need entertainment – it needs perspective. It needs a culture where public admiration aligns with public good, where a sanitation worker, a grassroots volunteer, or a teacher is as aspirational as an actor or influencer. We don’t need to stop watching films – but we must stop confusing charisma with character. For a society to stay sane, we must distinguish between being admired and being valuable.
When our little girls grow up seeing only glamour as success, we must also show them grit. When awards are handed out for acting, we must also honor those who never act-but always serve. Because every brave soldier, doctor, teacher, rescue worker, and social activist deserves to be celebrated as the true stars they are.
It’s time to redefine the word heroes – from the uniformed protectors of our borders, to caregivers in rural health camps, to environmentalists saving our ecosystems, to young women coding change in classrooms. These individuals are not just the backbone of the nation – they are its heartbeat. A salute is long overdue. Let us honor them not with mere words, but with action. Share their stories. Speak their names. Celebrate their courage. Teach our children that not all heroes wear makeup – some wear uniforms and determination.
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Dear Readers,
It’s high time we chose our heroes wisely. Not everyone who shines deserves your respect.
Salute to Mamatha and the idea in this article. So well articlutaed.
Taking a clue from her article it was so heartening to read about Priety Zinta, an Army kid and sister (her brother is in the Army), donating Rs 1 Crore to the Army Welfare Fund.